THE BOSS of Birmingham Dogs Home has been arrested after £450,000 of donations to the charity were allegedly stolen.
Simon price, 52, and who hails from Coventry, is on police bail after being arrested at Birmingham Airport on his return from a trip to Spain.
It is believed trustees quizzed Price, husband of co-worker Alayna Warner, back in September.
John Wheatley, Birmingham Dogs Home Chairman, confirmed the investigation into financial irregularity and said the charity was bitterly disappointed funds had been stolen.
He added: “A suspect has been arrested and is on police bail. We are working closely with West Midlands Police in an attempt to recover the stolen funds.
“Staff, patrons, trustees and other parties have been informed and we are all deeply shocked and saddened that someone within the charity would abuse a position of trust.
“I would like to assure everybody that the wellbeing of the dogs that our wonderful staff care for remains top priority and will not be affected by this awful crime.
“To our donors and benefactors, your generosity and support over the years has been vital and will remain so. No account information has been jeopardised and we are reviewing all of our systems with independent advisors to ensure something like this won’t happen again.
“I am also hopeful that we can recover the stolen funds and return them to their original purpose of rescuing, caring for and rehoming abandoned dogs.”
Price oversaw the multi-million pound relocation of Birmingham Dogs Home from its outdated city centre HQ to the purpose-built state-of-the-art new centre just outside Catherine de Barnes.
The £6milion centre – built on 12.45 acres of rural land close to Birmingham Airport – was officially opened in April last year by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
It boasts 128 glass-fronted kennels with under-floor heating for the furry residents, along with exercise areas, family walking areas, veterinary room and specialist rooms for pregnant dogs to name just a few of the impressive facilities.
